Foster Program Manager

The Foster Program Manager provides day-to-day leadership, team management and coordination support for the organization's foster care program. This people-centered role ensures the program operates efficiently, and in alignment with lifesaving and organizational goals. You will manage foster team staff, implement & support best practices, manage & support day-to-day operations and collaborate cross-departmentally to support timely, thoughtful placements that reduce shelter length of stay and improve animal outcomes.

Duties and Responsibilities

Team Leadership & Development

• Supporting the Director & Assistant Director of this department ensuring alignment with organizational goals and a culture of excellent customer service.
• Supervise, coach, mentor, and support foster staff members including foster coordinators and foster medical lead, by providing performance feedback and professional development.
• Participate in hiring and manage onboarding for new team members and interns
• Cultivate an inclusive, compassionate team culture rooted in collaboration, communication, and accountability.
• Participate in regular team meetings, one-on-ones, and training to build skills, improve communication, and ensure consistency in the foster program.

Foster Program Oversight

• Oversee & support day-to-day operations including appointments, onboarding, training, placement, and retention.
• Guide staff in matching animals to foster homes based on behavioral, medical, and enrichment needs.
• Manage placement strategies with a focus on urgent cases (e.g., neonates, medical recovery, long-stay animals).
• Work cross-departmentally to communicate and coordinate foster priorities based on shelter population trends.
• Develop and implement best practices to improve the foster experience and support team success.
• Ensure continuity of care for animals in foster care by proactively addressing safety, medical, and behavioral concerns.

Foster Program Administration

• Evaluate and improve internal workflows, resources, and communication strategies to enhance program
• efficiency.
• Ensure accurate and thorough medical and behavioral documentation is maintained and shared appropriately.
• Provide strategic oversight of foster caregiver education on medical and behavioral topics to promote safe, informed care.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree
• Strong knowledge and experience with cat and dog behavior with a passion for animal welfare
• 2+ years of management experience preferred
• Ability to stay focused on the priorities of the job, as well as to work and think independently
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to implement proactive solutions
• Proven organizational skills with attention to detail
• Exceptionally strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong time management skills with the ability to handle numerous responsibilities at once and work well under pressure
• Excellent leadership skills
• Ability to multi-task and work well under pressure in a dynamic, team environment
• Weekend and evening availability – This role will work a Tuesday – Saturday schedule.

Physical Requirements

• Climbing stairs, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, lifting and grasping
• Walking and moving about to accomplish tasks, particularly for long distances or moving from one work site to another
• Able to lift 25 lbs occasionally, 101bs frequently and a negligible amount constantly
• Repetitive motion
• Ability to travel to PAWS locations as needed

PAWS Chicago Values-in-Action

• Respect: for each and every life.
• Community: of people and organizations committed to helping homeless pets.
• Innovation: to constantly improve best practices and seek out new ideas and strategies to save more lives. To be a Learning Center that evolves and grows.
• Pro-activity: to solve difficult problems and to be prepared to offer emergency and crisis support.
• Transparency: that informs the public about the fate of homeless animals.
• Education: that raises awareness about the realities that homeless animals face in the community and across the nations, providing a forum for people to get involved in effecting change. Promotes and support reasonable pet ownership.
• Sustainability: through financial management practices that maximize the impact and reach of our resources and endure that PAWS Chicago will always be a resource for homeless animals.
• Compassion: towards all people and animals.

Our Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, including ancillary options and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through Blue Cross Blue Shield
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer match
• Paid time off, including vacation, sick days, and holidays